Eldr, a North Asheville restaurant, has closed permanently due to the impact of Tropical Storm Helene, affecting many local businesses.
On January 9, the restaurant announced its permanent closure on social media, pointing to the storm’s impact as a key reason. The post mentioned that the challenges from Hurricane Helene and the delays in reopening were just too much for them to handle.
Eldr opened in June 2022 in a charming cottage-style building near the Omni Grove Park Inn. The place was rich in history, having been developed by the Vanderbilt family. Unfortunately, the storm that hit Asheville on September 27 caused significant damage, especially to the North Fork Reservoir, which crippled the city’s water supply and led to many local businesses closing.
Eldr wasn’t alone in this struggle. Other eateries like Vivian, Bottle Riot, and Geraldine’s Bakery also closed their doors after the storm. The restaurant was co-owned by Eric Burleson, Carson Lucci, and Heather and Jim Cassidy, who chose the name “Eldr,” meaning “fire” in Old Norse.
Executive chef Burleson crafted a menu that celebrated New American and Appalachian cuisine, drawing inspiration from his roots in Spruce Pine. Despite the closure, Burleson and Lucci plan to stay active in the local food scene with pop-up events and catering, insisting, “This isn’t the end for us!!!”
The team expressed heartfelt thanks to their staff, customers, and vendors. They also encouraged everyone to support local businesses and service workers by contributing to disaster relief efforts like the Always Asheville Fund and Lift All Boats during this tough time.
For more updates, you can check out their website or follow them on Instagram.
